The Ice House is a beautiful eco sanctuary and family retreat in Iceland created by <a href="http://minarc.com/index.html" target="_blank">MinArc</a> - the makers of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/superb-a-house-is-a-net-zero-modular-prefabricated-home-in-venice-beach/" target="_blank">Mnm.Mod prefab home</a>. The panelized two bedroom, one bath home harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment by keeping its environmental impact to a minimum and providing its residents with a close connection to the outdoors.

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Ice House-MinArc

<a href="http://minarc.com/index.html" target="_blank">MinArc's</a> goal was to create a serene family sanctuary that connects its inhabitants with the surrounding natural environment.

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Ice House-MinArc

At the same time they wanted to combine sustainable and eco-friendly materials with energy efficient technologies and minimalist architecture.

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Ice House-MinArc

Located in the rural Icelandic countryside, the 1,500 sq ft home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a loft, plus a detached garage.

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Ice House-MinArc

As the people in the region are committed to the preservation of its beautiful natural scenery and resources, the owners of the home sought to honor this commitment.

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Ice House-MinArc

The structure and surrounding decks are elevated off the ground in order to reduce the project's impact on the site.

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Ice House-MinArc

Native wood was locally sourced and used as siding, which allows for the project to blend in with the surrounding regional landscape.

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Ice House-MinArc

The home was designed to take advantage of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/passive-solar/">passive solar</a> building strategies and cross ventilation to minimize electricity costs.

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Ice House-MinArc

Large expansive windows provide abundant <a href="http://inhabitat.com/daylighting/">natural light</a> and create an immediate connection with the outdoors.

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Ice House-MinArc

The master bathroom features a pebble rock wall referencing the
surrounding landscape.

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Ice House-MinArc

The Ice House is a beautiful eco sanctuary and family retreat in Iceland created by MinArc - the makers of the Mnm.Mod prefab home. The panelized two bedroom, one bath home harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment by keeping its environmental impact to a minimum and providing its residents with a close connection to the outdoors.